Is there a database for VIN numbers?

Asked by: Joannie Wunsch  |  Last update: May 23, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (55 votes)

On NHTSA.gov, you can query a particular vehicle's VIN to identify specific information encoded in the number. NHTSA's VIN decoder is publicly accessible at: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/.

Can I check my VIN history for free?

NICB's VINCheck is a free lookup service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle may have a record of an insurance theft claim, and has not been recovered, or has ever been reported as a salvage vehicle by participating NICB member insurance companies.

Are car VIN numbers public record?

Even so, there is no danger, as VIN data is not public. It's just meant to give your car a unique identity.

Can you run a VIN number to find owner?

VIN owner lookup is a service that provides detailed information about the registered vehicle, its owner, and other related records. The service utilizes advanced search technology to access public and private databases that compile valuable information about the vehicle and its owners.

Can you trace a VIN number?

Fraud Detection: VIN tracing can be used to detect fraud or other criminal activity related to vehicle sales. For example, if a seller is trying to pass off a stolen vehicle as legitimate, tracing the VIN can reveal the truth and help law enforcement recover the stolen property.

Government VIN check database

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Can I run a VIN number to see if stolen?

NICB's VINCheck is a free service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a salvage vehicle by cooperating NICB member insurance companies. To perform a search, a vehicle identification number (VIN) is required.

Is there a free alternative to Carfax?

VinCheck.info is a free alternative that provides information about a vehicle's history, including title details and recalls.

How do I look up the owner of a vehicle?

Legal Methods for VIN Owner Lookup
  1. National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
  2. State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  3. Commercial Vehicle History Report Services.
  4. Insurance Companies.
  5. Lien Check Services.

What personal information can you get from a VIN number?

It should go without saying that anyone willing to steal your physical vehicle identification numbers can also gain access to and steal your identity. They can very easily discover your name, address, nationality, age, etc. all through your VIN. With that type of information, they can do further harm.

Does Carfax tell you who owns the car?

Carfax does not however report the name or personal information of any owner of the vehicle. If a dealer that utilizes and aligns with Carfax ever owns the car then it will often show that dealer's name, the lack of a dealer's name being present however does not mean that a transaction was not run through a dealer.

Is my VIN confidential?

VINs are sensitive information and car owners should treat them like social security numbers. People shouldn't give out their VIN unless they deal with a trusted associate like a family member or friend. Exceptions apply if, for example, they're trying to sell their vehicle.

Can police look up your VIN number?

1967) (even if not a search for fourth amendment purposes, police must have legitimate reason to check VIN); Simpson v. United States, 346 F. 2d 291 (10th Cir. 1965) (non-consensual entry into automobile to copy VIN is illegal search, requires probable cause and search warrant).

What can someone look up with a VIN number?

A VIN is usually composed of:

17 characters including digits and capital letters, that acts as a unique identifier for your car. The VIN number tells you when and where the car was built. It tells you the manufacturer, year, make and model, and the trim level including unique features and specifications.

How do I run a VIN number for information?

This is a two-step process:
  1. Step 1: Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and enter the full VIN into NHTSA's VIN decoder, then click Decode VIN. Example.
  2. Step 2: Refer to the field at the bottom of the page result, which expressly lists the build plant and country for the searched vehicle.

What is the difference between Carfax and CarVertical?

Both Carfax and CarVertical offer the same basic service, but present information differently. Carfax lists every entry chronologically, regardless of whether it details a service or a crash, while CarVertical splits information by section before compiling a car's history in a timeline.

What is VINwiki used for?

VINwiki | The Platform

VINwiki lets you see the full picture behind a car's unique history. Did a bear tear off the bumper? Has your BMW M5 been used to pull a boat? What really happened where it says “Accident Reported”.

Does a VIN number tell you the owner?

You may use a VIN to get an insurance quote or a Car Fax report. That report can tell you if the vehicle has been in an accident and maybe even how regular the maintenance schedule was followed. You can find out what state the car was owned in and how many owners it had… but not the name of the current owner.

Is a VIN number private?

VIN numbers are not typically considered confidential. In fact, they are often displayed prominently on a vehicle's windshield and registration documents. A VIN is a unique 17-digit code that identifies a specific vehicle.

Is carfax report free?

A free CARFAX report is also available through many dealer websites. As you browse a dealer's used car inventory, look for links to free CARFAX Reports. If a link is unavailable, contact the dealer and ask them for the CARFAX Report. Free CARFAX Reports are available at many car dealerships in your area.

How can I find the owner of a car by VIN number for free?

When looking for the owner of a vehicle, one of the first places to start is with a free VIN owner lookup. You can do this by entering the National Insurance Crime Bureau website and the VIN of the car you are interested in.

Is there a truly free VIN check?

Yes, you can check a VIN for free using platforms like VinCheckPro, iSeeCars or the National Insurance Crime Bureau's VINCheck tool. Each offers valuable information at no cost.

How much does a Carfax report cost?

Carfax is the most well-known provider of vehicle history reports. It dates back to the late 1980s when it faxed reports to its customers. It is also the most expensive. A single Carfax report costs $44.99.

How much does VinAudit cost?

The cost is $9.99 for a single report providing affordability for individual inquiries. If you have multiple vehicles in consideration, VinAudit presents cost-effective options: five reports for $19.99 and ten reports for $29.99.

Is there a national database for stolen vehicles?

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) was created under the Anti Car Theft Act of 1992. In 1996, the Anti Car Theft Act was reauthorized and amended, transferring the responsibility for NMVTIS from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the U.S. Department of Justice.

How do I find the registered owner of a car for free?

Where Can I Find the Registered Owner of the Vehicle?
  1. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains vehicle registration records, which may include the names of registered owners. ...
  2. Law Enforcement Agencies may have access to databases containing vehicle registration information for investigative purposes.